Lyon recover to lead Rubin

Olympique Lyonnais recovered from conceding early on to establish a firm grip on their UEFA Champions League play-off against FC Rubin Kazan as strikes from Bafétimbi Gomis and Jimmy Briand either side of Saba Kvirkvelia's own goal swung the tie in their favour.

Vladimir Dyadyun struck early for Rubin yet the lead lasted only seven minutes as OL, inspired by a rampant Michel Bastos, roared back. After Gomis had levelled Kvirkvelia's mistake put Les Gones in front, before Briand's 71st-minute header ensured OL travel to Russia next Wednesday in a strong position.

With centre-backs Cris and John Mensah absent, Rémi Garde had little option but to hand new-signing Bakary Koné his European debut. The former EA Guingamp defender had barely had the chance to acclimatise when the visitors struck, Dyadyun surging in front of Déjan Lovren to volley in Bebras Natcho's corner from close range.

Lyon's reaction was instant, Bastos driving a free-kick narrowly wide before setting up the equaliser with an exquisite pass from the left. The Brazilian's pinpoint ball split the Russian defence, allowing an unmarked Gomis to place an assured volley into the bottom corner.

Targeting a 12th consecutive group appearance, OL laid siege to Rubin's goal. Lisandro and Briand tested Sergei Ryzhikov with low shots before the latter was played through, only to see his lob pushed away by the Rubin No1. There was nothing Ryzhikov could do five minutes before the break, however, when Gomis's cross was deflected inside his near post by Kvirkvelia.

Les Gones continued to play positively and after Briand had struck one close-range effort straight at Ryzhikov, the former Stade Rennais FC forward headed in Kim Källström's corner off the underside of the crossbar. Kurban Berdyev's side posed the occasional threat, but Gökdeniz Karadeniz had his long-range shot brilliantly tipped over by Hugo Lloris, then failed to beat the France custodian after racing clear nine minutes from time.

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